Shipping containers have a lot of uses today. Yes, they are still mainly used to ship goods, but other uses for shipping containers include office space, studios, retail spaces and even homes! But no matter what your shipping container is used for, it’s at risk of a common condition: container sweat. Container sweat is something that can happen in all kinds of shipping containers, with the potential to impact your goods and equipment.
So what exactly is container sweat and how can you prevent it? Take a look at our latest article which will tell you everything you need to know about container sweat and what you can do to prevent it.
What is 'Container Sweat'?
Container sweat’ is the name given to condensation that builds up within shopping containers due to the combination of moist air and cool metal walls, doors and ceilings. While condensation is a natural phenomenon that happens in a wide range of spaces, it can cause several problems for your shipping container, including:
Mould
Rust
Damage to goods and equipment - this can be a particular problem for perishable goods like food products.
Damage to paintwork and flooring
The good news is that most of these issues can be prevented when you take steps to reduce container sweat.
What causes condensation in shipping containers?
Understanding the causes of condensation in shipping containers is important to help you see the steps you can take to prevent it from causing damage.
Poor ventilation
Let’s start with ventilation. Poor ventilation is one of the biggest causes of condensation. As you’ll know from your home or business premises, condensation can build up easily when a room is poorly ventilated. Usually, control measures here would include opening windows, and ensuring there is enough airflow within the space. However, this isn’t possible with standard shipping containers, meaning other steps need to be taken instead.
Humidity
Humidity is another problem that causes condensation. If there is moist air within the shipping container, it can soon turn to condensation when it comes into contact with cooler surfaces. Moisture in the air can come from several sources, including goods, people present in the container (when using one as an office, etc.) and any air present when the container was sealed.
Temperature fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations can also lead to container sweat. When the temperature outside the container changes, such as from a hot day to a cool evening, the container’s metal can quickly shift to adapt, and may lead to condensation being created inside the container. If this happens frequently, it could cause damage to the goods inside.
Each of these individual factors can lead to container sweat, and a combination of the three could cause significant issues for users, from spoiled stock to damaged surfaces.
How to prevent container sweat and reduce condensation?
How to Prevent Container Sweat?
While container sweat is a common problem, there are some things you can do to prevent it.
Ensure you have adequate ventilation
One of the first things you need to do is ensure your shipping container has some form of ventilation. Most shipping containers come with ventilation in the form of vents, which consist of holes drilled into one of the walls, covered by a bracket to prevent water from getting in.
It’s important to check that these vents aren’t blocked in any way, as this could cause moisture to build up inside the container.
Air your container regularly
Shipping containers can go for a long time without being opened, but airing your container now and then could make a difference to humidity levels, allowing any moist air to escape. This is especially important during periods of changeable weather, where temperature fluctuations may have led to the creation of condensation inside.
Use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are an excellent tool for reducing moisture within a shipping container. They are designed to remove moisture from the air, leaving the air inside the space dry. The moisture that’s been removed is transferred to a receptacle, and this will need to be emptied or replaced regularly.
Using a dehumidifier can prevent condensation from happening, helping to keep the goods inside your shipping container safe. They can also be effective if you’ve already suffered some condensation or water damage, helping remove excess moisture to help dry out your space once again.
Use a desiccant
As an alternative to a dehumidifier, you could use a desiccant. A desiccant is a substance, usually gel-based, that will help absorb moisture. These are often found within goods as a packet of silica gel, but you may need something larger to provide general protection for your container.
Check your pallets
If you use wooden pallets to stack goods within your shipping container, they could be responsible for bringing in excess moisture. Make sure you’re using pallets made from fully-dried timber to prevent this from happening. Another alternative is to use plastic palettes which will be poreless, and therefore unable to hold any moisture.
While container sweat can feel like a minor problem for some, it’s important to tackle the problem before it gets worse. When you take steps to prevent excess moisture and reduce condensation within your shipping container, you can ensure that your container retains its integrity, and the goods inside remain protected. From adequate venting to dehumidifying methods, be sure to use the best method to meet your needs.
If you’re looking to purchase or rent high quality, shipping containers, get in touch with TEU today. We stock a wide range of container styles to help meet your needs, built with durability in mind. Get a free quote and let us find the right shipping container solution for you.
Comments